I’ll admit it, coming from Philadelphia, I thought I knew what “Christmas spirit” looked like. Then I moved to Jackson, where the antler arches glow brighter than any city skyline and Santa rappels out of a tram instead of climbing down a chimney.
If this is your first winter in the Tetons, or you’re visiting to see what all the mountain-town hype is about, here’s how to do the holidays in Jackson Hole right.
Why Jackson Hole Feels Like a Snow-Globe Come to Life
There’s no off-switch here. Once Thanksgiving passes, the whole valley becomes a Hallmark movie with better skiing.
- The lights: The elk antler arches shimmer every night in Town Square, with snowflakes drifting through the beams.
- The backdrop: Grand Teton views turn every errand run into a Christmas-card moment.
- The vibe: Somehow, even with tourists, it still feels local. Friendly, warm, small-town proud.
The Big-Ticket Holiday Events
Tree Lighting in Town Square — Nov 29, 5–7 p.m.
The official start to Jackson’s holiday season. The tree glows, the arches sparkle, and locals sip cocoa while pretending they’re not taking the same photo for the tenth year in a row. Get there early; parking fills fast.
Holiday Bazaar — Dec 5–6
Local artisans take over the Conference Center with pottery, textiles, and gifts that don’t scream “airport souvenir.” Bring cash and a tote bag; you’ll need both.
Santa on the Square — Dec 14–24
From 5–7 p.m. nightly, Santa parks himself under the elk arches. Drop a letter, snap a photo, or just enjoy the hot chocolate line that somehow moves slower than the tram on a powder day.
Santa Rappels from the Tram — Dec 24, 4:30 p.m.
Yes, rappels. Only in Jackson Hole does St. Nick descend from the sky with climbing gear and a crowd cheering from the base area. Get there by 4 p.m. for a good view.
Sleigh Rides on the National Elk Refuge — Mid-Dec onward
Bundle up for a horse-drawn ride through snow and silence, except for the occasional elk bugle. It’s serene, surreal, and worth every frozen fingertip.
Torchlight Parades & Fireworks — Dec 31
Skiers snake down the slopes with torches before fireworks burst above Snow King Mountain and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. It’s the kind of New Year’s Eve that makes you forget Times Square ever existed.
Your Cozy-to-Classy Holiday Food Plan
Breakfast Fuel
- Cowboy Coffee – the only thing that can thaw a –5° morning.
- The Bunnery – legendary pancakes and the kind of crowd that still says “Merry Christmas.”
Lunch & Warm-Up Stops
- The Bistro (Cloudveil)
- Persephone Bakery – Town and Wilson
Dinner Worth Dressing Up For
- Steadfire
- Wild Sage
Après & Nightcaps
- Mangy Moose – live music and ski boots on the dance floor.
- Silver Dollar Bar – the soundtrack to every Jackson holiday movie that hasn’t been filmed yet.
Survival Tips from a New Local
- Dress in layers. Mountain weather changes faster than airline baggage fees.
- Hydrate. Altitude sneaks up on East Coasters.
- Plan early. Sleigh rides, dinners, and lodging fill quickly.
- Shop local. Skip the chain stores; every dollar stays in the valley.
- Slow down. Seriously. Walk the Square at night, breathe the cold air, and let yourself feel like you’re living in a snow globe.
AntlersArch founder and the voice behind Teton Tattle.
